Why ESPN expects Justice Haynes to stand out for Michigan football

Posted by author February 18, 2025 Football

Spread the love

Michigan football has the No. 10 transfer portal class in 2025 according to On3, but many of the maize and blue faithful are a bit underwhelmed by the haul this offseason.

However, there’s one big exception: former Alabama running back Justice Haynes, who is set to pair with Jordan Marshall to form a dynamic duo in the offensive backfield.

Haynes was a big get for the Wolverines, a former five-star prospect who was buried on the depth chart behind other starters and running quarterback Jalen Milroe. But now that he’s coming to Ann Arbor, excitement is sky-high, especially given he’ll nicely complement new quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the 2025 class.

ESPN put together a list of each top team’s biggest pickup in the transfer portal (subscription required) and unsurprisingly, Haynes was the pick for Michigan football.

Top portal addition: Justice Haynes, RB, Michigan

Haynes, a former top-25 recruit, is looking for a chance to play a more significant role after rushing for 448 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore on just 6.6 carries per game. He’ll certainly get that opportunity in a Michigan offense that must replace Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards. Haynes is coming in with two more seasons of eligibility and should form a terrific duo with Jordan Marshall, the Wolverines’ rising freshman who rushed for 100 yards in their ReliaQuest Bowl win over Alabama.

Michigan also brings in a new offensive coordinator in Chip Lindsey, who, at previous stops, has managed to have a balanced offense, at times producing teams with both 3,000 yards passing and 3,000 yards rushing. At North Carolina, his previous stop, he had both quarterback Drake Maye, a top draft pick, as well as standout tailback Omarion Hampton, who eclipsed 1,500 yards rushing.